Resources for Elected Leaders

State-based and federal refugee resettlement protections are a crucial part of the integration process for refugees and migrants. These resettlement protections provide refugees with several resources such as economic and medical assistance, education, and job opportunities that will help them excel in their new home. Through these protections, refugees and migrants are better equipped to become thriving members of society by contributing their skills and knowledge to the workforce and economy.

State-of-Play

19

States with driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants

19 states and the District of Columbia have laws that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses

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17

States with Office of New Americans

There are 13 current member states and 4 participating states in the Office of New Americans (ONA) State Network

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21

States with professional licensure reform

At least 21 states have recently advanced proposals to remove barriers to professional licenses, including medical and teacher licenses, for people who are immigrants

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11

States with in-state tuition for refugees, TPS holders, and others

Out of the 11 states, 6 have passed legislation allowing refugees access to in-state tuition in all of the state's public colleges and universities upon arrival, regardless of residency status

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Around the country, refugee, immigrant, and elected leaders of color are charting a new course in state legislative history. These elected leaders are working towards creating legislation that will empower refugees and immigrants as they rebuild their lives in a new country. With the goal of creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment, it is crucial for elected leaders from all states to come together and learn from each other as they create and reform legislation. Through teamwork, we are a step closer to ensuring the protection of the human rights of refugees and immigrants in the United States.

Model Legislation From Around the Country

Colorado - Medical licensure reform

House Bill 1050 (2022) – International Medical Graduate Integrate Health-care Workforce

Lessens the barriers of entry into Colorado’s health-care workforce for international medical graduates
Led by VFR endorsed candidates Naquetta Ricks and Janet Buckner

Georgia - Driving licenses and in-state tuition

House Bill 333 (2023) – Motor vehicles; issuance of driving cards to noncitizen residents who are ineligible for a driver’s license, temporary permit, or identification card

Issues driving cards to noncitizen residents who are ineligible for a driver’s license
Led by VFR endorsed candidate Dr. Michelle Au

House Bill 640/Senate Bill 264 (2023) – Education; noncitizen students with certain status are classified as in-state for tuition; provisions

Offers in-state tuition to noncitizen students with certain refugee, special immigrant, or humanitarian parolee status

Maine - Professional licensure reform

Legislative Document 149 (2021) – An Act to Facilitate Licensure for Credentialed Individuals from Other Jurisdictions

Eases barriers of entry into professional fields for individuals with foreign licenses

Michigan - Driving licenses

Drive SAFE (2023) (Safety, Access, Freedom, and Economy) House Bills 4410, 4411, and 4412 and Senate Bills 0265, 0266, and 0267

Will allow residents who are unable to show proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status to obtain a Michigan driver’s license and state ID card

Oregon - In-state tuition and Office for New Americans

Senate Bill 272 (2023) – Relating to tuition equity; and declaring an emergency

Provides in-state tuition qualifications for refugee students attending Oregon Health and Science University

Senate Bill 778 (2021) – Relating to the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement; and declaring an emergency

Provides $1.3 million in funding to establish the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement to operate statewide immigrant and refugee integration strategy

Utah - Language learning resources and professional licensure reform

House Bill 302 (2022) – Educational Language Services Amendments

Enacts provisions relating to services for students learning English and their parents

Senate Bill 43 (2022) – Occupational and Professional Licensing Modifications

Reduces barriers for international individuals to obtain an occupational license based on previous experience and/or education

Virginia - Medical licensure reform and English language learning

House Bill 2211 (2021) – Graduates of foreign nursing education programs; licensure requirements

Allows graduates of foreign nursing programs to be eligible for professional nursing licensure in Virginia provided their credentials can be verified and they can pass an English proficiency exam

Senate Bill 156 (2022) – Public Schools; English Language Learners

Requires state funding to be provided to support the ratio of English learner students in average daily membership to full-time equivalent teaching positions
Provides 22 full-time equivalent instructional positions for each 1,000 students identified as having limited English proficiency

Committed Legislators for Welcome

Voice for Refuge invites legislators to commit to supporting policies that protect and uplift refugee and immigrant communities in their state. Our goal with the Legislators for Welcome initiative is to open the door to new relationships and provide a way to celebrate the work being done around the country. New members joining daily!

Toolkits to Inform Your Work

Federal Resettlement Overview

Updated August 2022

Click Here

All Refugees Welcome Toolkit

Updated March 2022

Click Here

Presidential Determination Talking Points & Social Media Guidance

Updated October 2022

Click Here

Afghan Adjustment Act Toolkit

Updated February 2022

Click Here

Reunite Refugee Families Toolkit

Updated October 2021

Click Here

RCUSA'S 2023 Appropriations Recommendations

Updated December 2022

Click Here

Inclusive Response to COVID-19 for State Legislators

Updated May 2020

Click Here

“We have a moral obligation to implement humane and just immigration, refugee, and asylum policies, and I hope elected leaders at every level of government work to support this national effort.”

“I find hope in knowing that I belong to a state that has a lot of people who are champions of change and progress; that we will rise up and fight for justice and equality; that, ultimately, love will trump hate.”

“The United States has long benefitted from being open to immigrants like my own parents who seek a better life in a new country. Refugees and asylum seekers are often fleeing persecution or instability and seeking to live normal lives within the security of our strong nation. We should recognize the same motivation that our own ancestors shared, and welcome refugees and asylum seekers here to build their lives and contribute to our shared society.”

“As a refugee and immigrant myself, I know what is possible when communities commit themselves to making opportunity, health, and safety available to all. When we care for our most vulnerable, we all become more secure.”

“This nation is built on a promise of "opportunities". People across the globe seek to better their lives through these promises. As a refugee from Vietnam, our family came here to escape political execution and to build a future. This is our story. We are the HOPE and DREAM builders. As we look forward into the prosperous future of the United States of America, we see clearly that refugees and immigrants are the best people who have a vision of not just building a better life for our family, but for all Americans.”

“Our nation, built in part by the hopes and dreams of immigrants and refugees must continue to support the strength that diversity brings, while also recognizing the beauty and honor of the land and people who cherished this home long before so many sought refuge here.”